McCann Worldgroup Southeast Asia names Brandon Cheung as new Chief Executive Officer

Brandon Cheung has been elevated to Chief Executive Officer, McCann Worldgroup Southeast Asia, from his previous position as Chief Global Client and Growth Officer of McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific. Cheung’s predecessor, Nick Handel, will be relocating within the network to take the helm at MRM UK as CEO.

Cheung is widely respected for his impact across global clients, regional growth and for his collaborative leadership, fostering high-performing teams.

Cheung brings over two decades of strategic and digital expertise across brand building, performance marketing, and customer experience. With over 12 years within the network, he is very familiar with the Southeast Asia region, where many of McCann Worldgroup’s global clients have their APAC headquarters.

In his new role, Cheung will report to Ghassan Harfouche, the President for McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific and will be responsible for the continued development of capabilities to drive impactful growth for clients in the region, including McCann Content Studios (social/influencer), audience intelligence, and production automation solutions.

Harfouche said: “Brandon is a truly visionary leader, who brings a hybrid skillset of strategist, growth driver and a proven record of building high-performing teams and fostering strong value-driven cultures. Combined with his rich experience of the region and client brands, Brandon’s leadership equips the business to help grow, evolve and build enduring brands for our clients. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Nick for everything he has delivered for our clients and people and wish him all the best in his new chapter within the McCann Worldgroup family.”

Following 18 years based in Singapore, Handel leaves behind a legacy of creativity, growth, and innovation. Handel led teams across Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand. Under his leadership, the group consistently garnered industry acclaim, including an unrivaled 10+ years of Agency of the Year award recognition.

Cheung and Handel have been working together closely for over 10 years, overlapping in a transitionary period, with the full changes coming into effect at the end of this month.

Cheung said: “Our region is at a pivotal moment for growth. I’m looking forward to building on the current momentum with our teams to create strategic and impactful creativity that drives true business value for our clients.”

“It’s bittersweet to be leaving Asia,” added Handel. “I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most talented teams in the industry, and I’m proud of what we’ve built together. However, I leave knowing our offices are in great hands.”